Pele pens open letter to Robinho: Reject Real Madrid

Pele has penned an open letter to Santos ace Robinho, urging him to ignore offers from Europe - including Real Madrid.

Robinho, 21, is expected to sign for Real at the end of this season, but Pele, a Santos legend, wrote in a local newspaper column: "I agree that Robinho must think about his future and that of his family."

"We are at a different time. But, as a Brazilian, it would please me that Robinho acquired his financial independence by playing for Santos, where I played all my career."

Pele added: "Robinho, with his charisma and his talent can bring a new generation of fans to Santos and the Brazilian national team."